Joseph Niamtu, III

Dr. Joseph Niamtu is the same caring and passionate person that I saw in all his YouTube videos. He is a genius with gifted hands truly like no other. It's been 3 days since surgery and I can already see the results. Big amazing results!! His office is super friendly and his nurse has an amazing organized system from start to finish.

Check out my video and photos for more on my experience!

Dr. Niamtu is one of the true hidden gem plastic surgeons in the world. I will be a patient for any potential facial procedures as I age and will travel across the world If I have to.
Long story short I suffered through botched chin surgeries and ended up with a much too large implant. I felt like I had a donut in my chin. And to make matters worse I was convinced by the prior surgeon to put fat transfer and later juvaderm to hide the dents and scars….my bottom lip felt tucked in from the large implant and several screws being placed below my lip into mentalis muscle.… I couldn’t even smile anymore without my lips pulling weird.
After numerous consultations across Canada and the United States and almost giving up on any hope of having my chin restored to my former self. I hopelessly went to a maxillofacial specialist in Vancouver and asked, if I was your family, wife or daughter where would you send me? And he said “Dr. Niamtu in Richmond Virginia”. I reached out to Dr. Niamtu. He explained the risks and complexity after so much trauma and past surgery and that the chance for successful outcome at this point is significantly reduced. However, I was determined to see him and his big beautiful compassionate heart took over and he agreed to see me in person. An entire 12 hours, 3 flights later and I arrived in Richmond Virginia. I was given a list of nearby accommodations and caregivers available for out of country patients or patients traveling alone. I made arrangement to stay with a caregiver. I was greeted by a beautiful woman who is a real-life earth angel named BONNILYN. I felt like I just arrived at my favorite aunt’s home for a visit. So warm, loving and caring. She drove me to my appointment. I met with Dr. Niamtu, he was also very friendly and he was genuinely empathetic to the difficult mess I ended up in. I knew the complexity of my case, but because of how professional, experienced, knowledgeable and ethical he came across during my appointment, I just knew, finally I was in good hands.
The staff/team care was superb things ran smooth start to finish. Shelly and Lauren were so sincere and personable. They made me feel so comfortable and were very friendly and helpful. The Anesthesiologist even went over and above to look into my concerns before my arrival and took the time to discuss my options with me.
I came out of surgery and BONNILYN took care of me. She is a very healing soul. Her environment is designed to ensure you receive proper after care and that you feel no stress for a successful recovery. I didn’t want to leave at the end of the week.
I truly felt something magical about my experience and everyone associated with Niamtu Cosmetic Facial Surgery Centre. I left there still swollen and so the results were unknown. After having experienced disappointing results, I was afraid to get too excited, especially when I was dealing with potentially lose skin, dimples, and some excess fat from the previous injectable that were done…
I didn’t go into this expecting perfection or some miracle.
About 2 months after being home, I woke up one night and passed by a mirror and saw my face and broke into tears. I had never experienced crying out of pure happiness and gratefulness until that moment. For what I saw I never thought I would again. The shape of my chin, jaw looked the way it did before all this chin implant even started. Dr. Niamtu removed the implant and the screws and repaired the tissues and muscle and did some lipo of the fat transfer and laser to the old scar. I saw a miracle that I prayed for. That I thought I would never get back again. My chin was all natural, now no implant and yet I had a nice feminine chin. Dr. Niamtu I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude and for showing me there truly are skilled plastic surgeons that make a difference in peoples lives. You have given me the gift to leave my house each day feeling like me again. I can smile and my lip is back were it use to be, I have no idea how you did that!!… the only evidence of what happened to me is some old damage to the skin from previous sutures and I intend to fly back there for laser scar treatment and to visit Bonnilyn!
I can’t even see the evidence of your incision sites and that is how it should have been. That is the standard of care I wish all plastic surgeons would take. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Dr. Niamtu and the all team members of your surgical center.

Dr. Niamtu is amazing! So friendly & personable. I drive 2 hrs one way to see him for Botox to the neck bands & belotero to the tear trough area. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, and my results are always excellent. I do have plastic surgeons in my town that I could go to and even get a discount because I work for the main "hospital" company, but experience plays a HUGE role especially with your facial area and I personally feel that Dr Niamtu has more experience in the areas that Im interested in.

I could not recommend Dr. Niamtu highly enough. He and his staff are so friendly and personable. I'm very satisfied with my results and I will be back for more. I completely trust my face to Dr. Niamtu and no one else. The office is clean and serene. Dr. Niamtu is a pillar of the community even outside of his practice. I have a daughter with special needs and he is the father of two sons with severe special needs, so we talked briefly about that and his warmth and compassion is so evident.

I had underdeveloped lower jaw. 8 years ago I saw a doctor who installed a silicone implant.Unfortunately after the surgery and several corrections it still did not look well. Dr Niamtu removed my old implant and did genioplasty. Now I do not need an implant. I am happy with result! It was worth it!

My experience with him has been wonderful so far. I stopped in for a consultation with him maybe 3 weeks ago. He was very friendly. He's done one syringe of juvederm in my lips since then and they look beautiful! I plan to have my cheeks and genioplasty done by him later this year. He's also going to work on a couple scars on my face.

I have been getting Botox and this time I tried the Dysport Dr Niamtu in Richmond did it and I love it!!! Will continue with Dysport in the future for treatments and with Dr Niamtu!!! And I didn't have any swelling or redness! Didn't even have to cover up with makeup after treatment like I do with Botox!

I had a failed fat transfer to face and the doctor offered to redo it for free. I thought if the first one yielded nothing, odds are the second would do the same. While researching, I found Dr. Niumta on youtube. Emailed him with a fat transfer questionand he replied with cheek implants. Spent a while researching it and decided he's the one to do. Headed down from NYC Sunday morning and was there mid-day. I decided to drive and I'm glad I did.
The office is really on top of their game for pre-arrangement for out of town patients, from getting your meds ready, to making sure you have a care giver taking you home if you travel alone. Kathy Rose was my care giver and she outdid herself, and her fee is very reasonable.
She picked me up Monday morning from La Quinta which is 5 minutes away. Met the good doc, answered all my questions and on the OR. His helper Alyssa was plain awesome all the way.
By 11:15, Kathy was there to take me back to the hotel. Plenty of swelling and numbness. Didn't have to take pain meds, just few Tylenol took care of it.
Next morning, I went for follow-up and was released to drive back and was home by 4 pm.
While too early to tell, I'm comfortable with the decision I made.
Fat transfer is a hit or miss, perhaps more misses in my opinion.
In order to inject fat cells to add volume, live cells have to be broken up. If the fat cells don't survive, those live cells that were broken up will yield worse result. In my case, none of the fat cells survived and it seemed like I ended up with looser skin.
At 49, I'm not looking to look younger and I could live with a bit of loose skin under the neck and what not, but a bit of improvement in the middle face that'll make a 50 year look better doen't hurt.
Sa far so good.

Updated on 16 Jun 2016:
Well, every day gets little better.
Upper lip is down to 50% numbness.
Nose still at 75%.
I keep comparing my post-op to this wonderful lady's thorough review and I seem to be at the same stage.

https://www.realself.com/review/midlothian-va-cheek-augmentation-27-y-o-finally-cheeks-filler-recessed-chin-dr

I've read somewhere that cheek implants may make dark under eyes worse.
Not the case with me. It seemed like they improved.
He used the XL size and I could feel the corners below the side of my eyes.
Taking the week off and doing light errands.
Received a post-op call from the office.
Eating is almost back to normal and sleeping is good.
Back to work on Monday.
Sorry for the lack of pictures. I'm terrible with selfies. lol..
Despite the swelling, looks better already compared to the sunken upper cheeks before.

Updated on 17 Jun 2016:
So here's a before picture I dug up.
I think it was around 2 months post fat transfer.
It appears as if whatever was added hit a black diamond downhill slope to the bottom settling in around the mouth area making me look like Homer Simpson.
Only a fool would go for fat transfer # 2 or even # 3.
Besidess, it seems when fat transfer does hold up, the skin seems mushy.
In all fairness, I had done some research on FT and knew it may not work but nevertheless went ahead with it because I wasn't aware of cheek implants.
Dr. Niamtu slammed those cheek implants exactly where they should be.
As the swelling subsiding, I can feel and touch them more and they feel like bones.
That said, cheek implants is an invasive surgery and must be performed by a very experienced surgeon.
Anyway, at day 5 I seem to be at 50% recovery. Doing light activities and taking it easy until Monday.

Updated on 17 Jun 2016:
...

Updated on 19 Jun 2016:
All plumed up and swollen this morning.
But does feel to be subsiding inward.
Sensation is gradually coming back.
I think I'm gonna be a happy camper. :)

Updated on 21 Jun 2016:
Still have a good amount of numbness around the nose area,
but it seems to be gradually subsiding.
By day 6, I was still noticeable. Got asked once and just said a bad case of sinus.
By 1 week, no asking, just few unusual looks, like wonder what he did.. lol..

Updated on 26 Jun 2016:
Almost 2 weeks and still a good amount of numbness on the nose area.

Updated on 8 Jul 2016:
Very happy with result so far.
Numbness around the nose area still subsiding.
Gets better everyday.

I've gone to dr Niamtu for Botox for several years. I live about an hour and 20 minutes away, but worth the drive. Botox injection is available in the town I live in, however, it's much more expensive. Botox is administered by the unit. I usually get 20-25 units in my 11's (between the eyes). My two options here are to go to UVA, where you must purchase the entire bottle ($500+), or the med spa where they charge 15.50 per unit. Dr niamtu, who does more Botox than anyone in the state, charges $11.00 per unit. Not only that, there's far less pain than what I experienced here in town. So... less cost per unit, less pain, plus he's a super nice, pleasant person. All this for a couple extra gallons of gas. Not to mention, the shopping in Richmond is great, so I add that to my trip. ????

I want to preface this review by saying I originally made a Pre-Op review in advance a few months ago when I scheduled the surgery. At that time I received so many negative and discouraging comments I asked the realself team to graciously rescind the post. If you're against plastic surgery or want to tell people to accept the way they look because you have a chip on your shoulder about a bad procedure you've had or something else, it's a pretty rotten idea to project that on people at this website who are looking for support. Many of us are already dealing with naysayers in our real life.
There are not enough cheek implant reviews on here or in general available on the internet, and a lot of misinformation about them. I intend to make this as detailed as my time and patience will allow, and I am more than happy to help anyone with ANY questions or clarification you may need.
Background
Despite having good malar prominence (lateral cheeks), I have had noticeably flat anterior cheek bones (submalar) along with hollowish tear troughs since I lost my initial baby-fat in childhood, which did not significantly change with any weight fluctuations. I also have a slightly recessed chin, and both of these issues were amplified by and amplifying to a very projected, "Mediterranean" nose (I am half Jewish and close to half Italian, so that may explain it!). When I underwent Rhinoplasty in 2011 I also had fat injections in my cheeks, and three succeeding injections spaced out months afterwards; and fat all quickly dissipated each time after the initial swelling went down. After the fat transfer I tried filler/restylane, which dissipated in what seemed like weeks. At that time I also had Radiesse injected into my chin but was not satisfied with the result, as I desired projection rather than lengthening and seemed to get the opposite of that. I am still on the fence about getting a chin implant so I decided this time I would have Dr. Niamtu (who is an expert with facial proportions) inject Voluma into my chin to help me make a long-term decision. The Radiesse too dissipated completely before two months was over. So I realized these method were not cost-efficient with how fast I metabolize them. Additionally, since my deficiency is in the bony areas it makes sense to use a bone-imitating material (silicone), rather than a filler which tends to be softer and better compensates for fat atrophy.
Why I chose Dr. Niamtu
See my surgeon review below.
Pre-Op Appointment
Yesterday my boyfriend/post-op caretaker and I went to meet Dr. Niamtu and Brooke (the surgical RN) to go over the details of surgery, take before pictures, and confirm what will be done. As he was at the consultation and in follow-ups, Dr. Niamtu was very thorough and patient. Brooke, the other nurses, and all of the patient coordinators (I have mostly spoken with Rachel) mirrored the same kindness as him. I cannot speak well enough of this surgeon and his staff!
Day 1- Today
*Dr. Niamtu had an observing medical resident during my procedure. I thought it was neat that I was able to be a part of someone's learning!
*Fasting- (no food or any liquids, including water) after midnight on was brutal. I made sure not to overeat last night and should have eaten and drunk more water before I went to sleep. I was so thirsty and starving in the morning. I recommend to everyone the day before general anesthesia try to eat a hearty, late-ish dinner and keep very well hydrated up until bedtime, limiting caffeine and salt.
*Schedule of events- I arrived at the office for my 8:45 appointment and left around 11:45. Another very sweet nurse (I forgot her name) did two quick x-rays around my head. Dr. Niamtu and Brooke met with me again to review everything. Then I met with the anesthesiologist, who was just as awesome as the surgeon! Every other anesthesiologist I've had to meet with has been notably unfriendly. I changed my clothes (swap all shirts/bra on top and replace it with hospital gown, as well as any bottoms with metal), and soon proceeded into the operating room to begin anesthesia. When it came to the actual IV, he put some type of numbing stuff on the hand he used which made it hurt much less, so I appreciated that. They put some kind of breathing tube down my throat to make sure I got oxygen during surgery, which did leave some scratchiness in my throat afterwards. I think I went into surgery around 9:45 and began waking up around 10:30, at which point I gradually regained my awareness. I remember saying something to Brooke about how she interrupted my "alternate reality" when she woke me up. lol
*Meds/Pain- Let me first say I have what I think is a low pain tolerance. I'm a baby. So with that said, I had a splitting headache upon waking (probably severe dehydration) and some pain/achiness in my face. I have a job where many of my clients are addicted to pain medications which I find terrifying, so I was very stubborn about taking them. I took two Tylenol about an hour after leaving the surgery center and was still in some dull pain throughout the following few hours, enough to stop me from being able to get much rest. I finally relented and took a Percocet around 5:15 tonight which helped a LOT with the pain. Lesson to be learned: Don't be a martyr. Being in pain is not conducive to recovery. I have a prescription for Vicodin for sleep and am still deciding whether or not to take it before bed.
*Bleeding- Not much bleeding. I had to gave gauze around the incisions (through the upper gums in my mouth) which were bloody for awhile. I changed them twice throughout the day (once after eating vegetarian chili, which may or may not have precipitated it but didn't last long) as there was still some blood, but the bleeding seems to have stopped as of late afternoon.
*Swelling- I am told swelling will be probably at its worst the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery. I do not have any bruising other than on my chin from the filler (which based on past experience will probably go away within the next few days). My swelling isn't nearly as bad as I expected but it's already increased since morning. My boyfriend just said he could tell my face is more swollen and that my face is "cute" because I look like a chipmunk or how I would if I gained 100 pounds. lol
*Eating/Drinking- At first my upper lip (both above and below the vermilion border) was almost entirely numb, along with the bottom part of my nose. I have to sip drinks, either from a bottle or a cup without major slurping. As I type now (8pm exactly) my upper lip is nearly entirely un-numbed. However, I have a sore jaw still and cannot open it very wide at all so my diet is going to be limited until that improves more. So far today I have very slowly eaten: vegetarian chili and vegetarian refried beans (with nutritional yeast added for flavor and extra macro- and micronutrients I'm probably missing the next few days), tomato soup (which I sipped like a drink), coconut milk yogurt, and my boyfriend just bought us both coconut milk strawberry ice cream to share after melting it in the microwave. Yum! So basically I can only eat things that I can get in my mouth a little bit at a time with a spoon pointing down, or by sipping. I am hoping to get some fruits and vegetables in my system tomorrow if I'm up to it. I bought a lot of leafy greens, roma tomatoes, low-fat salad dressing, blueberries, and some apple sauce! I am aiming on the side of higher protein during healing time.
*Teeth brushing- I bought a manual super-soft baby toothbrush. I have to be careful for awhile in lifting my upper lip to brush my teeth to avoid aggravating the incision sites. It's also just hard to raise my top lip in general right now.
*Comfort/Mobility accommodations- I was told to avoid any movements or lifting which will increase blood pressure. I am avoiding bending down as much as possible. I am a regular squatter so I'm squatting down instead when I do get something from below my waist, while keeping my head up and back straight. My boyfriend will be helping me to clean our cats' litter boxes and feeding them when I get home. I am using an awesome adjustable inflating neck pillow propped up by two pillows (this one: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0154GG7OC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00) to help keep my head up and not lean to the side on my cheeks upon sleeping and keeping a pillow under each arm. I also have two facial ice packs which I've only used a little so far. They can be heated too for later on in surgery, but unfortunately are a little big for my face (probably best for men's faces). Still useful and recommended. (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JCW6WI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00)
*Exercise- I was told I can resume light cardio exercise in 10 days and heavy weightlifting in 4 weeks. This is my least favorite part of the surgery (exercise does a lot for my overall happiness and well-being) but realize it's temporary and necessary, and I look forward to spending more time doing sedentary activities I enjoy in the meantime.
*Chin- Other than slight asymmetry at the bottom (which is clearing up and almost certainly initial swelling from the injections) I LOVE my chin. Dr. Niamtu put a few drops in the mentolabial fold and the lower part. It's such a perfectly subtle difference my boyfriend can't even tell and Dr. Niamtu put exactly as much in as I wanted. I'm hoping it doesn't go down too much from here. I will be seriously thinking about a future chin implant at this point if the same look is possible, and am somewhat regretting not doing it simultaneously with the cheek implants.
I am uploading before pictures along with a few I took today (sorry for poor photo quality-- hotel room is not well-lit). Will do another update when I get a chance!

Updated on 11 Mar 2016:
Currently late afternoon.
*Had my post-op appointment at 8am and went home today. Dr. Niamtu said my tissues were easy to cut through where some people's are more laborious, which may account to what seems like a better healing so far than I anticipated. Discussed that I'm happy with my chin and whether I can get a similar result with an implant. He says it is possible with a small one as well as to get coverage in the mentolabial fold area with the right placement.
*Numbness: My top lip is 95% un-numbed and most of my left cheek other than the very top part. My right cheek and right-bottom side of my nose is slowly un-numbing too. Kind of weird that half of my face feels different than the other, but I'm sure it's very temporary!
*Swelling- A little bit more today as predicted. Some bruising is becoming evident but not major. I walked into several crowded stores on our way home and got some funny looks, but I still didn't mind too much being in public already. I'm hoping to shower tomorrow!
*The ride home (3.5 hours) wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. No pain meds (yet? hopefully not) for the day and only took tylenol when I woke up and at lunch time thus far.

Posting more pictures!

Updated on 12 Mar 2016:
Quick update
*Bought Peridex when I came home yesterday, which is a prescription antibiotic mouth rinse Dr. Niamtu wrote for me. I'm using it twice daily until... I'm not sure when (the bottle is pretty big and will last for awhile). I'll have to check on that. Gives me peace of mind to help protect from infection.
*I'm more comfortable moving around but trying not to push myself.
*The initial facial pain is starting to give way to slight bruising and feelings of tingles around the implant areas where I'm numb (which is kind of an unusual feeling, but expected!). I woke up looking like a ridiculous pumpkin (picture will follow) and my face has taken on an unusual yellow tinge (I tend to have cool undertones so it's definitely from bruising). I think soon I'll be ready for warmed packs to my face but not sure if I'll bother. I really did not like the feeling of any pressure even from the cool packs earlier so I might just let nature take its course there. Or I might use a warm washcloth instead.
*Swelling- I have a strong feeling today is the climax of it and will slowly begin going down over the next few days.
*Food/Eating- I am able to eat slightly larger bites of food today. Ate vegan mac 'n cheese (mm) with no problem this morning (yes this morning. I was starving!). Probably will be a few more days until I can get into the crunchy stuff again.
**Constipation- Hard to talk about but was a bit constipated the first two days which is not a problem I've dealt with at all in the 4.5 years since I've followed a vegan diet, so I was a bit alarmed about that. However apparently it is very common though after anesthesia, especially if you take any pain meds. Metamucil is good stuff which seems like a better alternative to traditional laxatives. I recommend using the kind you dissolve in water. Feeling better now. :D

May put a shower off until tomorrow when hopefully my face is a little less sensitive.

Updated on 13 Mar 2016:
Very unflattering but very accurate. Wow! Already looks weird to me. And my swelling is starting to go down today. :)

Updated on 13 Mar 2016:
*CAFFEINE- I seem to be more sensitive to caffeine since surgery than before. I drank around 16 oz. of Diet Soda w/caffeine yesterday (which is typical for me) and had a somewhat scary reaction. I had some right-side chest pain for a little while, my cheeks turned very warm and pink, and I developed a very slight fever. It went away in about an hour, but I have a feeling the surgery/meds may have affected my sensitivity. So I'm going to try and stay away from caffeine until I'm done with the Prednisone/Antibiotics and more of the swelling has dissipated!
*Swelling/Feeling- Most pain is away other than occasional tinges. Now I'm just feeling tingly and still have some numbness. I can slightly smile now, but I look kind of silly when I try! Swelling is down a lot but there's still some in my lower face , so much of the definition is still not evident. I'm starting to wonder if I should have even taken this entire next week off work because I have a feeling I'll be good to go in a few days! Hopefully I won't get cabin fever. :)

Updated on 14 Mar 2016:
More pics. I took these pics upon waking. I am used to looking pretty worn down when I woke up. I'm going to try and continue sleeping on my back even when I no longer have to as it seems to really help avoid looking terrible in the morning.

I'm very happy with the results thus far. My only meandering thought is that I might want larger cheek implants (mine were medium-size submalars, which isn't tiny especially since I'm a pretty small female at just short of 5'0"). Then again at this point there is still swelling to go down so that may change once more definition is visible. Let me know if you guys have any thoughts on that!

I'm feeling pretty good and see no reason to take the rest of the week off from work. E-mailed my supervisor and decided I am going to work from home this week (my job involves traveling to client houses in addition to home-based office work).

Updated on 15 Mar 2016:
A few things.

1) For those of you wanting cheek implants: I HIGHLY recommend going to a doctor who uses titanium screws to secure them. I don't care what they say about "pockets" or "capsules" healing around the implant (this is more common with the medpor ones, which I would beg you not to get as they're practically irreversible) -- foreign objects in your body can migrate, which is an unneedingly common complication. In addition to the aesthetic problems of migration, it is a leading cause of major infection and even rejection from your body. Mine have two titanium screws in each cheek so they're not going anywhere, and I know the other best surgeons around the country do the same (like Dr. Eppley, Dr. Slupchynskyj ). No reason to take the risk. Another issue relating to this is sleep position. To prevent migration doctors who don't screw them into your face will require you to sleep upright from anywhere between a week and a month or more, while your tissues accommodate the implant. Unless you're used to sleeping straight on your back on a U-Pillow, this will grate on you quickly. To be frank, when you aren't sleeping well nothing else matters.
With that said, I was having just this problem last night. Since I usually have zero sleep problems I found this disconcerting and did not want to resort to taking the Valium. I'm so glad I e-mailed Dr. Niamtu around 10pm last night and he responded back immediately, saying to just try to sleep on my back, "but if you can't, just sleep!" Phew. So I did that, woke up sleeping on my face, and am just fine! In fact I look even better since I'm well-rested for the first time since surgery. I still think it's ideal to sleep on one's back in general, but I'm glad to know my face won't be ruined if I don't!

2) My lips were kind of turned "inward" after the surgery from swelling which I didn't initially notice, but they seem more normal today. Woo hoo I'm not lipless anymore!

3) My smile is really coming back. I can't wait to see how a full smile will look.

This may be attributable still to residual swelling, but I feel like my face looks SO MUCH younger. I used to see lines sometimes developing on my otherwise youthful face even though I take great means to protect my skin from sun damage (I'm one of those girls who wears sunblock even when it's raining). Good facial structure goes a long way!

Updated on 16 Mar 2016:
The only swelling that I think is left is almost undetectable amount along my jawline. So grateful for my quick healing and good health. So happy with these results and wish I had pursued both cheek and chin implants years ago with my nose job. I put on blush and foundation last night and felt like a beauty queen! Here's a pic of me upon waking (makeup off!). I can't decide at this point whether to pursue a chin implant later on. I guess we'll see how long this filler lasts.

Updated on 17 Mar 2016:
I'm hoping these are my final results because they are exactly perfect!
There is still some very slight, intermittent bruising/swelling which temporary alters my look throughout the day and is messing with my head. So I'm reminding myself to keep cool and keep on. :D

A lot of people want to know the changes cheek implants will make in their face (besides giving you more cheek projection). Here's a few things I've noticed in mine, which you may too in my photos below.
-My midface appears shorter, "cuter," and more proportionate. The middle of my face used to look a bit more long, drawn out, and wide.
-My nose looks slightly smaller, especially in the profile view.
-My overall face is softer, more heart-shaped, less severe.
- If you have a flat submalar cheek area like I did AND tear trough hollows, cheek implants alone may help to augment your tear trough area to a satisfactory degree. The hollows in my tear trough have softened by a long shot. They're not perfect, but dramatically improved from before. As they are now I do not see a need for further augmentation of that area by filler or implant.
-My eyes look more alive and expressive to me. This may have to do with the tear troughs.
-You will inevitably look younger as volume will be more concentrated at the top of your face. Also some fine lines that would sometimes show up around my mouth are much lighter now.

Updated on 18 Mar 2016:
My right cheek/nostril which was almost entirely numb initially has been un-numbing a bit today. I'm also able to make slightly more animate facial expressions, which brings my face *to life*.

The *color* in my face (I have pink undertones, especially in my cheeks) which I hadn't even realized had gone has returned, which actually makes a huge difference. My skin looks smoother and healthier.

I'm planning to meet up with some friends this Sunday. Excited to see how they react to my new cheeks, if at all!

Updated on 20 Mar 2016:
I can smile a little more today. My top lip is still not fully mobile. Right side numbness still making its way out. Saw my friend today (who is also an expert nurse injector). She says my face looks fantastic and "refreshed!" :D

Updated on 29 Mar 2016:
So it's been a good 2.5 weeks now. I can finally lift weights again soon woohoo!

My smile is completely recovered!!! Phew. Most of the numbness I had on the right side of my face is gone. My right cheek is still a little sensitive to touch and manipulation but I'm happily sleeping on my side/face like I used to.

Here are some recent photos. Compare them to my befores! I'm probably not at my best, but that's the point! No makeup. I'm realizing cheek implants cannot be fully appreciated if not seen in-person or some kind of 3-D view. I think you can see the difference more in the profile view than anything else. Very happy! I've gotten nothing but compliments thus far.

Still happy with the chin filler. I want it to stay forever. But some of it's already dissipated. ):

Updated on 1 Apr 2016:
I want to encourage everyone who seeks and wants cosmetic surgery to dismiss dissenters who tell you you're being vain for wanting to be happy with what you see in the mirror. You are not a bad person for being unhappy with the genetic lottery to which you were born. You have a right to pursue happiness in whichever way that means to you.

It's funny how this surgery was COMPLETELY 100% for me. I politely ignored many people who told me I was crazy and my face was fine as it was. And yet, I have to admit I have been getting a lot more attention from the opposite sex (which I was not hoping for nor anticipating) and more positive interactions with people in general. While this may be attributable to more confidence (I had pretty good self-esteem before though), let's be real. Being more attractive gives you a head start in almost every facet of life, and it sure is worth a pretty penny and effort to obtain. Unbelievable how such small change makes such an enormous difference!

I sent an e-mail to Dr. Niamtu today with updated pictures and let him know I am happy to be a good reference for him. If anyone would like to know more please message me. Even though it's a considerable distance I will likely go back to him if/when I pursue a chin implant. There are some fantastic doctors who are closer to me but I don't think you can go much better than him!

Updated on 13 May 2016:
Well it's been over two months now and I've had several requests for updates. Honestly not much has changed at this point! I have some personal things going on which has been leading to consistent sleep deprivation, and let me tell you that makes a HUGE difference in your face. So keep in mind these pictures are me with an average of 4 hours sleep/night. One thing I think I've noticed, although it may be me being neurotic, is that my cheeks actually look deflated when I'm dehydrated and/or very tired. It may just look that way when bags under my eyes form. Either way, best to drink lots of water!

I plan to take more pictures and share once things settle down, hopefully within the next month. I promise I'll upload better things then!

Updated on 7 Jun 2016:
Nearing 3 months post-op. Not much more to say. Every once in awhile there's some slight tightness in my upper mouth but nothing unpleasant or even much noticeable. I'm starting to forget I have cheek implants. I will say there's still some slight sensitivity if a lot of force is pressed against my cheeks. But best to avoid that anyway! I'm pretty sure chin filler is 100% dissolved. Yet I'm feeling happy with my natural chin right now. Starting grad school in August for my MSW. woohoo!!!!

Updated on 29 Aug 2016:
not much has changed. I realized I still have a tiny bit of numbness on the far right of my right eye, near the malar area. It's not something that bothers me in everyday life or I even notice. I think it's just taking longer to heal than the other areas. I am 100% happy with my cheeks now. They filled out my face perfectly. I rarely even think about the fact that they're "not mine". Look and feel completely natural.

Updated on 12 Dec 2016:
Just some new pics. I have yet again no significant updates. I think the cheeks just continue improving in tiny ways -- maybe swelling I didn't know I had before around the implants, so my face looks more contoured as time moves on. My cheek implants have added a lot of youthfulness to my face at such a minimal opportunity cost I am continually astounded.

Updated on 19 Mar 2017:
It's been one year and nine days already since my surgery. I am continually happy with my cheek implants. At this time I am not anticipating a chin implant in the foreseeable future as I still am unconvinced it will be a worthwhile improvement. The tiny bit of numbness/hypersensitivity I've mentioned on the outer part of my right cheek (part of my tear trough, I think) is continuing to improve - slowly. It seems that nerve has just taken longer to heal than the rest. It only ever caused a very negligible amount of discomfort and never caused me any problems.
This is probably overkill but I made a few more B/A collages with the afters taken just a little while ago, all from very unflattering angles. Many people have a hard time seeing the true improvements in cheek implants in pictures; they are better appreciated in 3D (or in-person). Hope these help a bit. As always please feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions or if you need support!